Author: Trisha Ghosal

Trisha Ghoshal in Paris The sporting world often witnesses remarkable familial legacies, but few are as compelling as the story of Tomasz and Iga Swiatek. Representing Poland on the grandest stage of international competition, both father and daughter have etched their names into Olympic history, each making it to the last eight of their respective sports and contributing to their nation’s sporting prestige. Tomasz Swiatek, a talented rower, competed in the men’s quadruple sculls at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. His journey to the Olympic quarterfinals was a testament to his dedication and skill in a sport that demands both physical…

Trisha Ghosal in Paris, 2nd August It’s been nearly two weeks since I landed in Paris, living my dream of covering the Olympic Games. Doing so in a city as enchanting as Paris is a double delight, ticking off a major bucket list item. Covering a single sport is one thing, but immersing myself in the whirlwind of a multi-sport event is entirely different. Here’s a glimpse into my Olympic adventure. Paris turned up the heat these past two days, making sure we didn’t feel homesick. Our team kept saying, “Paris feels like India.” But today brought a refreshing change:…

Trisha Ghosal In the high-stakes world of Olympic boxing, India’s Nikhat Zareen faced an uphill battle from the moment she stepped into the ring. The unseeded two-time world champion was up against Wu Yu, the reigning Asian Games champion and top seed in the women’s 50kg boxing event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Despite her best efforts, Nikhat lost 5-0, a unanimous decision that ended her medal hopes prematurely. The disappointment was palpable as Nikhat emerged to speak with Indian journalists, tears in her eyes. “I am sorry I couldn’t get a medal for the country,” she said, her voice…

Trisha Ghosal in Paris The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games was a mesmerising spectacle that captivated audiences worldwide. Held at the iconic Stade de France, the event began with a twist as Jamel Debbouze humorously mistook the empty stadium for a prank. The stage was then set for Zinédine Zidane, the legendary French footballer, to heroically carry the Olympic Flame from the stadium to the Seine, marking the start of a historic celebration. In a groundbreaking move, the athletes paraded on the Seine River, greeted first by the Greek delegation passing under the Austerlitz Bridge. This aquatic…

In a setback for the Indian women’s cricket team, off-spinner Shreyanka Patil has been ruled out of the remainder of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024 due to a fractured finger. The Asian Cricket Council confirmed her exit in a media release on Saturday, July 20. Patil sustained the injury while attempting a catch during India’s opening match against Pakistan, where she played a key role in securing a victory with her impressive bowling figures of 2-14. Patil, who had already suffered a hairline fracture on the same hand earlier this year during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2024, now faces…

In the world of tennis, stories of perseverance and triumph often stand out as beacons of inspiration. The journeys of Jana Novotna and Barbora Krejcikova epitomize the indomitable spirit that defines true champions. Their intertwined paths, marked by challenges, heartbreaks, and eventual triumphs, reveal the profound impact of mentorship and the unyielding power of a never-give-up attitude. The Heartbreak and Resilience of the mentor Jana Novotna Jana Novotna’s journey at Wimbledon is legendary, not just for her victories, but for her incredible resilience. In 1993, she was on the brink of glory, leading Steffi Graf 4-1 in the final set…

Barbora Krejcikova emerged victorious in the 2024 Wimbledon women’s singles final, overcoming Jasmine Paolini in a gripping three-set match, 6-2, 2-6, 6-4. The win was her second Grand Slam singles title, adding to her French Open triumph in 2021. Krejcikova, seeded 31st, started the final with a flawless display, showcasing her versatile game and dominating the first set. Her performance left Paolini struggling to find her rhythm on the grass court. However, Paolini, seeded seventh, made a remarkable comeback in the second set, playing with increased aggression and determination, levelling the match. The decisive third set was a…

Ravichandran Ashwin is one of India’s greatest match-winners in Test cricket, known for his incredible skills and strategic mind. In ‘I Have the Streets: A Kutti Cricket Story’, Ashwin, along with co-author Sidharth Monga, provides an in-depth look at his journey from a health-challenged child to a cricketing legend. Ashwin’s early life, marked by health struggles and the unwavering support of his middle-class family, forms the bedrock of this narrative. The book delves into the everyday joys and challenges of growing up in a cricket-obsessed neighbourhood, offering readers an authentic glimpse into his formative years. One of the book’s most…

India ended their series against South Africa on a high note, with a resounding 10-wicket win in the third and final T20I. This triumph came on the back of a dominant performance throughout the series, which saw India whitewash South Africa 3-0 in the ODIs and win the one-off Test match. Despite a shaky start in the T20I series, India showcased their resilience and prowess to secure a convincing victory. The T20I series didn’t begin as planned for India, as they failed to chase a target of 190 in the first match. The second game was washed out, leaving India…

Naomi Osaka’s second-round defeat to Emma Navarro at Wimbledon 2024 once again underscores the importance of mental health in sport. In her first-round match against Diane Parry, Osaka dominated the first set with a 6-1 win. However, in the second, a few unforced errors visibly affected her composure, leading to increased pressure. Her frustration was palpable as she lost the set 1-6. In the deciding set, Osaka’s unforced errors persisted, but despite going 1-3 down, she managed to recover and win the match. In the post-match interview, Osaka admitted that a lot was going on in her head, which was…